JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When an NFL team takes a player in the first round of the draft, fans' expectations for that player are through the roof. The Jaguars selected wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. 23rd overall back in April.
It hasn't been two months since Brian Thomas Jr. was drafted by the Jaguars, but he's already giving us a piece of what we can expect from him this season.
Leaders and coaches are saying, even though he doesn't talk much, he's been adjusting to the NFL just fine.
Press Taylor, offensive coordinator, said, "We want more out of him communication-wise just so we know what he's thinking. 'Does this make sense to you? How do you relay this?' For the most part, he just nods at you and goes out and does it right."
"My friends will probably tell you the opposite. They'll probably be like I don't shut up. That's just how I've been my whole life. I never go into something super talkative. That's just me though," said Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. said the best advice he was given when drafted was to hit the books as soon as he landed in Jacksonville, and it's helped him.
"Russell Gage, just me and him having the same trainer and just talking, and that was the first thing he said: just stay in the playbook and make sure I come in shape. Those were the two big factors he told me," said Thomas Jr.
Thomas Jr. is way ahead of schedule, and his quarterback Trevor Lawrence said he's impressed considering all the moving parts that come with being a rookie.
"To see him come out here and pick everything up and really not skip a beat has been impressive, and the more comfortable he gets in the system, he's just going to get better and better," said Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars quarterback.
"You're finding your way in the work; you're finding your way in the cafeteria. There's so much new for these guys that you're trying to just get them to settle in, and eventually we hope that takes over a little more with him," said offensive coordinator Press Taylor.
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor said as long as Brian Thomas Jr. does his job, he's okay with just a few words. Brian Thomas told us he prioritizes his mental rest and unplugs when he's away from the field. He also added that in due time he'll eventually break out of his shell.